used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A detective in love sounds something like an absurdity, but such was my case, and, since Zena's manner did not suggest that she was particularly interested in me, my love affair seemed rather a hopeless one.
absurditynounUS /əbˈsɜːrdəti/
a message whose content is at variance with reason
From this reading A detective in love sounds something like an absurdity, but such was my case, and, since Zena's manner did not suggest that she was particularly interested in me, my love affair seemed rather a hopeless one.
achievementsnounUS /əˈtʃiːvmənts/
plural of “achievement” — the action of accomplishing something
From this reading My association with Christopher Quarles has, however, led to the solution of some strange mysteries, and, since my own achievements are sufficiently well known, I may confine myself to those cases which, single-handed, I should have failed to solve.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading A detective in love sounds something like an absurdity, but such was my case, and, since Zena's manner did not suggest that she was particularly interested in me, my love affair seemed rather a hopeless one.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading As an excuse I talked over cases with him, but he seldom volunteered an opinion, often was obviously uninterested.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A detective in love sounds something like an absurdity, but such was my case, and, since Zena's manner did not suggest that she was particularly interested in me, my love affair seemed rather a hopeless one.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading My association with Christopher Quarles has, however, led to the solution of some strange mysteries, and, since my own achievements are sufficiently well known, I may confine myself to those cases which, single-handed, I should have failed to solve.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As an excuse I talked over cases with him, but he seldom volunteered an opinion, often was obviously uninterested.
associationnounUS /əˌsoʊsiˈeɪʃən/
a formal organization of people or groups of people
From this reading My association with Christopher Quarles has, however, led to the solution of some strange mysteries, and, since my own achievements are sufficiently well known, I may confine myself to those cases which, single-handed, I should have failed to solve.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading As an excuse I talked over cases with him, but he seldom volunteered an opinion, often was obviously uninterested.
an occurrence of something
From this reading A detective in love sounds something like an absurdity, but such was my case, and, since Zena's manner did not suggest that she was particularly interested in me, my love affair seemed rather a hopeless one.
plural of “case” — an occurrence of something
From this reading As an excuse I talked over cases with him, but he seldom volunteered an opinion, often was obviously uninterested.
ChristophernounUS /ˈkrɪstəfər/
Christian martyr and patron saint of travellers (3rd century)
From this reading My association with Christopher Quarles has, however, led to the solution of some strange mysteries, and, since my own achievements are sufficiently well known, I may confine myself to those cases which, single-handed, I should have failed to solve.
confineverbUS /kənˈfaɪn/
place limits on (extent or amount or access)
From this reading My association with Christopher Quarles has, however, led to the solution of some strange mysteries, and, since my own achievements are sufficiently well known, I may confine myself to those cases which, single-handed, I should have failed to solve.
detectivenounUS /dɪˈtektɪv/
a police officer who investigates crimes
From this reading A detective in love sounds something like an absurdity, but such was my case, and, since Zena's manner did not suggest that she was particularly interested in me, my love affair seemed rather a hopeless one.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading A detective in love sounds something like an absurdity, but such was my case, and, since Zena's manner did not suggest that she was particularly interested in me, my love affair seemed rather a hopeless one.
accept an excuse for
From this reading As an excuse I talked over cases with him, but he seldom volunteered an opinion, often was obviously uninterested.
past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone
From this reading My association with Christopher Quarles has, however, led to the solution of some strange mysteries, and, since my own achievements are sufficiently well known, I may confine myself to those cases which, single-handed, I should have failed to solve.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading THE IDENTITY OF THE FINAL VICTIM I soon fell into the habit of going to see Professor Quarles.
FINALadjectiveUS /ˈfaɪnəl/
occurring at or forming an end or termination
From this reading THE IDENTITY OF THE FINAL VICTIM I soon fell into the habit of going to see Professor Quarles.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Truth to tell, I was not there for his opinion, but to see his granddaughter.
the act of departing
From this reading THE IDENTITY OF THE FINAL VICTIM I soon fell into the habit of going to see Professor Quarles.
granddaughternounUS /ˈɡrændɔːtər/
a female grandchild
From this reading Truth to tell, I was not there for his opinion, but to see his granddaughter.
an established custom
From this reading THE IDENTITY OF THE FINAL VICTIM I soon fell into the habit of going to see Professor Quarles.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading My association with Christopher Quarles has, however, led to the solution of some strange mysteries, and, since my own achievements are sufficiently well known, I may confine myself to those cases which, single-handed, I should have failed to solve.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading My association with Christopher Quarles has, however, led to the solution of some strange mysteries, and, since my own achievements are sufficiently well known, I may confine myself to those cases which, single-handed, I should have failed to solve.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As an excuse I talked over cases with him, but he seldom volunteered an opinion, often was obviously uninterested.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading As an excuse I talked over cases with him, but he seldom volunteered an opinion, often was obviously uninterested.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Truth to tell, I was not there for his opinion, but to see his granddaughter.
hopelessadjectiveUS /ˈhoʊpləs/
without hope because there seems to be no possibility of comfort or success
From this reading A detective in love sounds something like an absurdity, but such was my case, and, since Zena's manner did not suggest that she was particularly interested in me, my love affair seemed rather a hopeless one.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading My association with Christopher Quarles has, however, led to the solution of some strange mysteries, and, since my own achievements are sufficiently well known, I may confine myself to those cases which, single-handed, I should have failed to solve.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading THE IDENTITY OF THE FINAL VICTIM I soon fell into the habit of going to see Professor Quarles.
IDENTITYnounUS /aɪˈdentɪtiː/
the distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity
From this reading THE IDENTITY OF THE FINAL VICTIM I soon fell into the habit of going to see Professor Quarles.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A detective in love sounds something like an absurdity, but such was my case, and, since Zena's manner did not suggest that she was particularly interested in me, my love affair seemed rather a hopeless one.
having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern
From this reading A detective in love sounds something like an absurdity, but such was my case, and, since Zena's manner did not suggest that she was particularly interested in me, my love affair seemed rather a hopeless one.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading THE IDENTITY OF THE FINAL VICTIM I soon fell into the habit of going to see Professor Quarles.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading My association with Christopher Quarles has, however, led to the solution of some strange mysteries, and, since my own achievements are sufficiently well known, I may confine myself to those cases which, single-handed, I should have failed to solve.
diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
From this reading My association with Christopher Quarles has, however, led to the solution of some strange mysteries, and, since my own achievements are sufficiently well known, I may confine myself to those cases which, single-handed, I should have failed to solve.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading A detective in love sounds something like an absurdity, but such was my case, and, since Zena's manner did not suggest that she was particularly interested in me, my love affair seemed rather a hopeless one.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading A detective in love sounds something like an absurdity, but such was my case, and, since Zena's manner did not suggest that she was particularly interested in me, my love affair seemed rather a hopeless one.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading A detective in love sounds something like an absurdity, but such was my case, and, since Zena's manner did not suggest that she was particularly interested in me, my love affair seemed rather a hopeless one.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading My association with Christopher Quarles has, however, led to the solution of some strange mysteries, and, since my own achievements are sufficiently well known, I may confine myself to those cases which, single-handed, I should have failed to solve.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading A detective in love sounds something like an absurdity, but such was my case, and, since Zena's manner did not suggest that she was particularly interested in me, my love affair seemed rather a hopeless one.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading A detective in love sounds something like an absurdity, but such was my case, and, since Zena's manner did not suggest that she was particularly interested in me, my love affair seemed rather a hopeless one.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading My association with Christopher Quarles has, however, led to the solution of some strange mysteries, and, since my own achievements are sufficiently well known, I may confine myself to those cases which, single-handed, I should have failed to solve.
mysteriesnounUS /ˈmɪstəriz/
plural of “mystery” — something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading My association with Christopher Quarles has, however, led to the solution of some strange mysteries, and, since my own achievements are sufficiently well known, I may confine myself to those cases which, single-handed, I should have failed to solve.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Truth to tell, I was not there for his opinion, but to see his granddaughter.
obviouslyadverbUS /ˈɑːbviəsli/
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading As an excuse I talked over cases with him, but he seldom volunteered an opinion, often was obviously uninterested.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE IDENTITY OF THE FINAL VICTIM I soon fell into the habit of going to see Professor Quarles.
many times at short intervals
From this reading As an excuse I talked over cases with him, but he seldom volunteered an opinion, often was obviously uninterested.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A detective in love sounds something like an absurdity, but such was my case, and, since Zena's manner did not suggest that she was particularly interested in me, my love affair seemed rather a hopeless one.
a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty
From this reading As an excuse I talked over cases with him, but he seldom volunteered an opinion, often was obviously uninterested.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading As an excuse I talked over cases with him, but he seldom volunteered an opinion, often was obviously uninterested.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading My association with Christopher Quarles has, however, led to the solution of some strange mysteries, and, since my own achievements are sufficiently well known, I may confine myself to those cases which, single-handed, I should have failed to solve.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading A detective in love sounds something like an absurdity, but such was my case, and, since Zena's manner did not suggest that she was particularly interested in me, my love affair seemed rather a hopeless one.
someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university
From this reading THE IDENTITY OF THE FINAL VICTIM I soon fell into the habit of going to see Professor Quarles.
Quarles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE IDENTITY OF THE FINAL VICTIM I soon fell into the habit of going to see Professor Quarles.
on the contrary
From this reading A detective in love sounds something like an absurdity, but such was my case, and, since Zena's manner did not suggest that she was particularly interested in me, my love affair seemed rather a hopeless one.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading THE IDENTITY OF THE FINAL VICTIM I soon fell into the habit of going to see Professor Quarles.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading A detective in love sounds something like an absurdity, but such was my case, and, since Zena's manner did not suggest that she was particularly interested in me, my love affair seemed rather a hopeless one.
not often
From this reading As an excuse I talked over cases with him, but he seldom volunteered an opinion, often was obviously uninterested.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A detective in love sounds something like an absurdity, but such was my case, and, since Zena's manner did not suggest that she was particularly interested in me, my love affair seemed rather a hopeless one.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading My association with Christopher Quarles has, however, led to the solution of some strange mysteries, and, since my own achievements are sufficiently well known, I may confine myself to those cases which, single-handed, I should have failed to solve.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading A detective in love sounds something like an absurdity, but such was my case, and, since Zena's manner did not suggest that she was particularly interested in me, my love affair seemed rather a hopeless one.
single-handedadjectiveUS /ˈsɪŋɡəlˈhændɪd/
unsupported by other people
From this reading My association with Christopher Quarles has, however, led to the solution of some strange mysteries, and, since my own achievements are sufficiently well known, I may confine myself to those cases which, single-handed, I should have failed to solve.
solutionnounUS /səˈluːʃən/
a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances; frequently (but not necessarily) a liquid solution
From this reading My association with Christopher Quarles has, however, led to the solution of some strange mysteries, and, since my own achievements are sufficiently well known, I may confine myself to those cases which, single-handed, I should have failed to solve.
solveverbUS /sɑːlv/
find the solution to (a problem or question) or understand the meaning of
From this reading My association with Christopher Quarles has, however, led to the solution of some strange mysteries, and, since my own achievements are sufficiently well known, I may confine myself to those cases which, single-handed, I should have failed to solve.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading My association with Christopher Quarles has, however, led to the solution of some strange mysteries, and, since my own achievements are sufficiently well known, I may confine myself to those cases which, single-handed, I should have failed to solve.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading A detective in love sounds something like an absurdity, but such was my case, and, since Zena's manner did not suggest that she was particularly interested in me, my love affair seemed rather a hopeless one.
in the near future
From this reading THE IDENTITY OF THE FINAL VICTIM I soon fell into the habit of going to see Professor Quarles.
plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading A detective in love sounds something like an absurdity, but such was my case, and, since Zena's manner did not suggest that she was particularly interested in me, my love affair seemed rather a hopeless one.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading My association with Christopher Quarles has, however, led to the solution of some strange mysteries, and, since my own achievements are sufficiently well known, I may confine myself to those cases which, single-handed, I should have failed to solve.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading A detective in love sounds something like an absurdity, but such was my case, and, since Zena's manner did not suggest that she was particularly interested in me, my love affair seemed rather a hopeless one.
to a sufficient degree
From this reading My association with Christopher Quarles has, however, led to the solution of some strange mysteries, and, since my own achievements are sufficiently well known, I may confine myself to those cases which, single-handed, I should have failed to solve.
suggestverbUS /səˈdʒest/
make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading A detective in love sounds something like an absurdity, but such was my case, and, since Zena's manner did not suggest that she was particularly interested in me, my love affair seemed rather a hopeless one.
past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading As an excuse I talked over cases with him, but he seldom volunteered an opinion, often was obviously uninterested.
express in words
From this reading Truth to tell, I was not there for his opinion, but to see his granddaughter.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A detective in love sounds something like an absurdity, but such was my case, and, since Zena's manner did not suggest that she was particularly interested in me, my love affair seemed rather a hopeless one.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE IDENTITY OF THE FINAL VICTIM I soon fell into the habit of going to see Professor Quarles.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Truth to tell, I was not there for his opinion, but to see his granddaughter.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading My association with Christopher Quarles has, however, led to the solution of some strange mysteries, and, since my own achievements are sufficiently well known, I may confine myself to those cases which, single-handed, I should have failed to solve.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE IDENTITY OF THE FINAL VICTIM I soon fell into the habit of going to see Professor Quarles.
a fact that has been verified
From this reading Truth to tell, I was not there for his opinion, but to see his granddaughter.
uninterestedadjectiveUS /əˈnɪntrəstɪd/
not having or showing interest
From this reading As an excuse I talked over cases with him, but he seldom volunteered an opinion, often was obviously uninterested.
an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance
From this reading THE IDENTITY OF THE FINAL VICTIM I soon fell into the habit of going to see Professor Quarles.
volunteeredverbUS /ˌvɑːlənˈtɪrd/
past form of “volunteer” — tell voluntarily
From this reading As an excuse I talked over cases with him, but he seldom volunteered an opinion, often was obviously uninterested.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading As an excuse I talked over cases with him, but he seldom volunteered an opinion, often was obviously uninterested.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading My association with Christopher Quarles has, however, led to the solution of some strange mysteries, and, since my own achievements are sufficiently well known, I may confine myself to those cases which, single-handed, I should have failed to solve.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading My association with Christopher Quarles has, however, led to the solution of some strange mysteries, and, since my own achievements are sufficiently well known, I may confine myself to those cases which, single-handed, I should have failed to solve.
in the company of; together with
From this reading As an excuse I talked over cases with him, but he seldom volunteered an opinion, often was obviously uninterested.
Zena's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A detective in love sounds something like an absurdity, but such was my case, and, since Zena's manner did not suggest that she was particularly interested in me, my love affair seemed rather a hopeless one.
